University of Advancing Technology's Official Technology Blog

As we step into October, with its cooler air and changing leaves, it’s also time to focus on Cyber Security Awareness Month—a crucial opportunity to spotlight the importance of staying safe in our increasingly digital world. This month-long observance serves as a reminder of the evolving cyber threats we face and emphasizes the importance of robust cyber security practices. It’s also a great time to explore how University of Advancing Technology (UAT) is contributing to the field with our specialized degrees and exciting events.

The Importance of Cyber Security Awareness Month

Cyber Security Awareness Month aims to educate and empower individuals and organizations about the importance of cyber security. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, this month is a reminder to stay vigilant and adopt best practices to protect our personal data, privacy, and digital infrastructure. It's an opportunity to raise awareness about potential threats, learn about effective security measures, and engage in discussions about the future of cyber security. When asked about the importance of Cyber Security, UAT Provost Dr. David Bolman said "Cyber continues to be among the top in terms of technology workforce needs. Cyber Ventures reports approximately 750,000 unfilled cyber jobs currently in the US. This need comes downstream from cloud, IoT, mobile, edge, and AI technologies now a daily part in the everyday lives of people and organizations. Cyber professionals are asked to architect ways to secure our information and patterns wile exploring AI's role in sophisticated intrusion schemes and the defenses against them."

UAT’s Cyber Security Degrees

Designated as a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency, UAT is at the forefront of preparing the next generation of cyber security professionals. UAT offers a range of degrees that address various facets of cyber security, ensuring a well-rounded education that meets industry demands.

Bachelor’s Degrees

• Network Security: This degree emphasizes proactive techniques like defense-in-depth to address vulnerabilities and protect systems. It includes hands-on training in penetration testing and reverse engineering. The degree aligns with industry standards, preparing students with the essential skills for a career in cybersecurity.
• Network Engineering: This degree highlights foundational and advanced network engineering concepts, including routing, switching, security, cloud computing, and data center design. It focuses on preparing students for roles in network and systems engineering by developing expertise in secure network architecture and multi-platform systems administration.
• Technology Forensics: This degree prepares students to investigate and analyze digital data for military, corporate, law enforcement, and legal sectors. It covers methods for obtaining, documenting, and analyzing digital evidence, as well as reverse engineering and tracing malicious code. Graduates will gain expertise in recovering evidence and presenting technical findings, equipping them to handle emerging technologies and complex threats in the evolving field of digital forensics.

Master’s Degree

For those seeking advanced expertise, UAT offers a Master of Science in Cyber Security. This degree is designed for professionals aiming for leadership roles or specialization in advanced areas of cyber security. It covers strategic thinking, risk management, and the implementation of advanced security solutions, equipping students to address sophisticated cyber threats and lead cyber security initiatives effectively.

UAT’s Cyber Security Panel Event

In celebration of Cyber Security Awareness Month, UAT is hosting a Cyber Security Panel on October 2nd. This in-person event will feature a distinguished lineup of experts who will discuss the latest trends, challenges and innovations in cyber security.

Event Details:

• Date: October 2, 2024
• Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
• Location: UAT Theater

The panelists include Dara Gibson, President of Arizona InfraGard; Dr. Briant Becote, UAT Professor; Aaron Rodriguez, UAT Professor; Christopher Alsay, UAT Network Security Student; and Kyle Suttie UAT Game Design Alumnus.

Preparing for the Future

As we observe Cyber Security Awareness Month, it’s vital to recognize the role that education and community engagement play in fostering a safer digital environment. UAT’s Cyber Security degrees offer pathways for aspiring cyber security professionals to acquire the expertise needed to address today’s cyber challenges. 

Stay tuned for more Cybersecurity Awareness month content from UAT alumni, esteemed Cyber faculty and more! 

Click here to learn more about UAT's Cyber Security Degrees.